In India, majority population still depends on agriculture for livelihood. Indian agriculture has stood the test of time and achieved green, white, yellow, blue and cyber revolutions. Access to information and its effective use as knowledge is crucial for successful economic development.

Information is just as critical a resource for people in rural areas as it is for those in urban areas. Instant access to information on the availability of inputs, financial resources, technological innovations and changing market conditions has become critical to the viability of rural economy. How well the rural areas are able to respond to this information challenge will play a major role in determining the future well being of the rural communities, especially in developing countries like India.

In this context, it is most prudent to extend the benefit of IT to agriculture and allied industries. In future, there is tremendous potential for growth in this sector. Efforts in this direction would help in extending the benefits of technological advances to the rural people. As a first step in this direction, the Indian Society of Agricultural Information Technology (INSAIT), a professional society was launched at Dharwad in the year 2000.

To mobilize farmers, scientists, institutions and organizations to promote agricultural IT.

To encourage teaching, research and extension activities in all aspects of agricultural IT.

To provide a forum for information exchange and dissemination of agricultural information technology.

To organize training programs and conventions and publish scientific information through different media for the benefit of the farming community.

Indian Society of Agricultural Information Technology,
University of Agricultural Sciences,
Dharwad 580005, Karnataka, India

Dr. G.P. Obi Reddy
Secretary INSAIT
Principal Scientist & Incharge, GIS Section
Division of Remote Sensing Applications
ICAR-NBSS & LUP, Amravati Road, Nagpur - 440 033, India
Tel: +91-712-2500545
TeleFax: +91-712-2500534/386
Mobile: +91-9423685210
Email: obireddygp@gmail.com